I am interested in building some custom front (entry) doors. Anyone out there ever done this. I want to build a few to get the feel of everything. Any suggestions for tools (other than the requisite saws, jointer, planer…)
Anyone have any suggestions concerning this, I would be happy with any input.
Replies
I would definately invest the time in building a heavy,
big,perfectly flat, build/ glue up table.
Have some fun. Mitch
As an owner-builder I built my entry door and all the interior doors to my house from solid black cherry. Used a raised panel with applied moulding around the panels. Great excuse to buy more tools. Used loose tenions in the joinery, made the mortase with 3hp router with sprial upcut bit, Purchaesed a Delta midsize shaper for the raised panels and the mouldings. 8in jointer to flatten the stock, Porter cable hinge jig to set the hinges in the door and jambs. Also made all the base bord, door and window trim. Best advise is to buld a door from a less expensive wood for the garage or utility room to try everything out. Several good books out there as well.
I'd say the first tool to invest in is the book "Doormaking A do-it-youself Guide" by John Birchard, published by Sterling, ISBN #0-8069-4340-X. Single best book I've seen on any one part of our profession. Lot's of ideas and details, overview of function, style, finishing, tools, millwork procedures...great reference book.
Jig for doorknob/lockset drilling.
"the doorhangers handbook" by gary katz
A mortising machine.
If you don't have the billfold for a floor model, there a couple of decent benchtop models out there that have the capacity to handle the stock widths you'd be using.
You can find good used floor models for far less than new.
FWW had an article on this a couple of years ago. You can go to their web site and check the index. They also have many of the old articles for sale online or you can get a back issue if available or go to the library.
Also WoodSmith or it might have been ShopNotes did one a couple of years ago. http://www.augusthome.com and they also have a searchable index and all back issues availalbe.
I had a customer that needed 28 five panel doors made of nothern white pine. What an oppertunity! Purchased a "WOODTEK" shaper and bought the 8/4 from RARE EARTH HARDWOODS, 65+ doors later I am still enjoying the tools. As some of the others have said, "Great excuse to buy more toys. I have made NWP, African Mah, Purple Heart, Poplar, and Ash. Enjoy